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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Reflect on your work

http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L465

A lesson plan for Grade 9 Algebra 1

Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

About this resource

Appropriate grades
9
Subjects
mathematics (algebra)
Provider
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

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In this lesson, students explore exponential models in context. The teacher leads students through a series of questions that show that there are multiple ways to analyze data and build models. Students compare the exponential functions and methods from data in a previous lesson. Then, the class learns to linearize data as an important tool in developing mathematical models for data.

In this lesson, students learn to:

  • Understand and perform transformations such as arithmetically combining, composing, and inverting commonly used functions, using technology to perform such operations on more-complicated symbolic expressions.
  • Generalize patterns using explicitly defined and recursively defined functions.
  • Analyze functions of one variable by investigating rates of change, intercepts, zeros, asymptotes, and local and global behavior.
  • Use symbolic expressions, including iterative and recursive forms, to represent relationships arising from various contexts.
  • Identify essential quantitative relationships in a situation and determine the class or classes of functions that might model the relationships.
  • Draw reasonable conclusions about a situation being modeled.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grades 9–12 — Algebra 1

  • Goal 3: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will collect, organize, and interpret data with matrices and linear models to solve problems.
    • Objective 3.03: Create linear models for sets of data to solve problems.
      • Interpret constants and coefficients in the context of the data.
      • Check the model for goodness-of-fit and use the model, where appropriate, to draw conclusions or make predictions.
  • Goal 4: Algebra - The learner will use relations and functions to solve problems.
    • Objective 4.01: Use linear functions or inequalities to model and solve problems; justify results.
      • Solve using tables, graphs, and algebraic properties.
      • Interpret constants and coefficients in the context of the problem.
    • Objective 4.02: Graph, factor, and evaluate quadratic functions to solve problems.
    • Objective 4.03: Use systems of linear equations or inequalities in two variables to model and solve problems. Solve using tables, graphs, and algebraic properties; justify results.
    • Objective 4.04: Graph and evaluate exponential functions to solve problems.